Aon Benfield Analytics’ Market Analysis team has released its latest Lloyd’s Update report, which assesses the market’s 2014 financial performance and latest developments. Key findings in the report include: The Lloyd’s market began 2015 with 92 active syndicates and slightly …
Low interest rates together with highly liquid and stable financial markets have prompted European insurers to tap the capital markets in their efforts to lower the cost of capital and optimize levels of risk-adjusted capitalization, according to a new report …
Allianz SE, Europe’s biggest insurer, said it will shrink its administrative branch network in Germany as low interest rates and regulatory demands hurt industry profitability. About 360 jobs, or about 1 percent of employees in Germany, will be affected, mainly …
Solvency II – all 2000 plus pages of it – has been completed and is slated to go into force as of the first of January 2016. As befits a major reorganization of a major EU industry, it took a …
Captive insurance vehicles are increasingly being used by businesses to provide cover for non-traditional risks, according to a new benchmarking report published by Marsh. Marsh’s report, “The World of Captives: Growth and Opportunities Without Borders,” states that the number of …
Expectations of rising dividends and share buybacks from Europe’s insurance companies are fading as ultra low interest rates make it harder for them to meet new capital regulations. Rock-bottom interest rates reduce insurers’ investment returns, raising the risk of them …
RMS, the Newark, Calif.-based catastrophe risk management firm, has released updated RMS Europe windstorm models and North Atlantic hurricane models. The 15.0 RMS Europe Windstorm Models’ hazard and vulnerability components have been updated to strengthen risk selection and portfolio management …
The Bank of England said on Friday that it would apply new European Union insurance regulations “proportionately,” following industry fears that the central bank might seek to add extra rules for companies based in Britain. The so-called Solvency II rules, …
Storebrand ASA, Norway’s largest listed insurance company based on assets under management, is buying mortgage bonds and real estate to escape negative rates. “Mortgage and corporate loans, where we are familiar with the credit quality, are exciting,” Chief Executive Officer …
Insurers and reinsurers in western Europe posted solid performances in 2014 and retained their capital strength against a backdrop of economic calm, according to a new special report from A.M. Best. The report analyzes the agency’s ratings actions through the …
